Top Substitutes for Oyster Sauce

Oyster sauce is a thick, brown sauce commonly used in Asian cooking, made from oyster extracts, soy sauce, sugar, and salt. It adds a savory, umami flavor to dishes and is commonly used in stir-fries, marinades, sauces, and dips.

It is also a staple ingredient in many Chinese and Southeast Asian recipes, including those for fried rice, noodles, and vegetables. Oyster sauce can be substituted with soy sauce, fish sauce, hoisin sauce, or vegan oyster sauce, but the flavor may not be exactly the same.

How To Substitute Oyster Sauce In Most Cooking Recipes

SubstituteDescriptionInstructionsServing Sizes
Soy sauceA salty sauce made from fermented soybeansUse 1:1 ratio in place of oyster sauce1 tsp to 1 Tbsp
Kecap ManisA sweet soy sauce commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisineUse 1:1 ratio in place of oyster sauce, can add a touch of sugar if desired1 tsp to 1 Tbsp
Fish sauceA salty sauce made from fermented fishUse 1:1 ratio in place of oyster sauce1 tsp to 1 Tbsp
Mushroom brothA flavorful broth made from mushroomsDilute to desired flavor intensity and use in place of oyster sauce1 tsp to 1 Tbsp
Black bean pasteA salty paste made from fermented black beansUse 1:1 ratio in place of oyster sauce1 tsp to 1 Tbsp
Hoisin sauceA sweet and savory sauce used in Chinese cuisineUse 1:1 ratio in place of oyster sauce1 tsp to 1 Tbsp
Vegan oyster sauceA vegetarian alternative made from soy and mushroomsUse 1:1 ratio in place of oyster sauce1 tsp to 1 Tbsp